Process for preparing diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates to a process for preparing bis(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolopyrrole compounds of the formula wherein A 1  and A 2  are aryl radicals, by reacting a 1,4-diketopyrrolopyrrole with formaldehyde. The compound of formula (II) can be isolated or further reacted in a one pot synthesis to yield a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein B 1  and B 2  are organic radicals.

This acpplication is a divisional of 08/870,353 filed Jun. 5, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,907. This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/019,138, filed Jun. 5, 1996.

SUMMARY

This application relates to a process for preparing 1,4-diketo-3,6-diarylpyrrolopyrrole derivatives wherein a diketopyrrolopyrrole is reacted with formaldehyde to yield a 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)-3,6-diarylpyrrolopyrrole-1,4-dione which is isolated or further reacted.

BACKGROUND

Diaryldiketopyrrolopyrroles of the formula ##STR2## wherein A₁ and A₂ are aryl radicals are well-known as important pigments.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,585,878 discloses N-substituted derivatives of the diaryldiketopyrrolopyrrole pigments wherein the N-substituent does not confer solubility in water. According to U.S. Pat. No. 4,585,878, the N-substituted derivatives of the diaryldiketopyrrolopyrrole pigments are prepared by reacting a diaryldiketopyrrolopyrrole compound in an organic solvent with a compound containing the ultimate N-substituents attached to a leaving group, or by reacting 2 moles of a compound of the formula R--N═CH--A, wherein R is the N-substituent and A is an aryl group, or one mole each of two different compounds of the formula R--N═CH--A, with a succinic acid diester in the presence of a base and an organic solvent and then dehydrogenating the product.

The present invention relates to a process for preparing a variety of N-substituted derivatives of diaryldiketopyrrolopyrrole pigments wherein the N-substituents are linked to the diarldiketopyrrolopyrrole by --CH₂ -- or --O--CH₂ -- linkages. The inventive process involves reacting a diaryldiketopyrrolopyrrole with formaldehyde to yield a 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)-3,6-diarylpyrrolopyrrole-1,4-dione intermediate and further reacting the intermediate, with or without isolation, with a second reactant which reacts with the hydroxymethyl groups. The products of the reaction are useful as colorants and as rheology improving agents for pigment dispersions. The 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)-3,6-diarylpyrrolopyrrole-1,4-dione intermediate is a useful as a synthon for the preparation of a variety of DPP derivatives, and as a stabilizer for polymers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a process of preparing a diketopyrrolopyrrole derivative of the formula (I) ##STR3## wherein A₁ and A₂ are identical or different aryl radicals and B₁ and B₂ are identical or different organic radicals; which diketopyrrolopyrrole derivative contains from 0 to 6 moles of --SO₃ M per mole of the diketopyrrolopyrrole derivative; wherein M is hydrogen or a metal or ammonium cation, which process comprises a reaction wherein a 1,4-diketo-3,6-diarylpyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole of the formula ##STR4## is reacted in a first step with formaldehyde to yield a sulfonated or non-sulfonated intermediate of the formula ##STR5## which intermediate reacts in a second step with a precursor of the organic radicals, B₁ and B₂, to yield the diketopyrrolopyrrole derivative of formula (I). In general, the second reactant reacts with the compound of formula (II) by a substitution reaction or to form an --O-- linkage.

The first step is preferably carried out by adding the 1,4-diketo-3,6-diarylpyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole to a solution of paraformaldehyde in concentrated sulfuric acid, preferably having a H₂ SO₄ concentration greater than 90 percent by weight, most preferably above 95 percent by weight.

In general, the stoichiometric amount of formaldehyde is used in the first step. Thus, the molar ratio of the 1,4-diketo-3,6-diarylpyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole to the formaldehyde during the first step is preferably 1:2.

After step (a) is complete, the resulting intermediate is reacted with the precursor to yield the diketopyrrolopyrrole derivative of formula (I).

Preferably, both steps are carried out at a temperature of from 20 to 100° C. If a high degree of sulfonation is desired, the process is carried out at higher temperatures, for example above 40° C. If it is desirable to have a low degree of sulfonation, the reaction is maintained at a lower temperature, preferably 40° C. or below.

After the reaction is complete, the 1,4-diketo-3,6-diarylpyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole derivative is isolated by procedures conventionally used in the art for isolating 1,4-diketo-3,6-diarylpyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrroles, in particular by pouring the sulfuric acid solution into ice water maintaining the temperature below 10° C. and stirring the resulting aqueous slurry for about 1 hour, followed by filtration, washing and drying to yield the 1 ,4-diketo-3,6-diarylpyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole derivative in solid form.

Since it is not necessary to isolate the intermediate, the inventive process is preferably a one pot process. However, it is possible to isolate the intermediate prior to carrying out the second step, especially, for example, in those instances where it is desired to carry out the second step in a solvent other than the solvent used for the first step.

Suitable solvents for the second step include concentrated sulfuric acid, polyphosphoric acid and organic solvents which do not react with the compound of formula (II), especially polar organic solvents such as acetonitrile, benzonitrile, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, tetramethylene sulfone.

It is also possible to carry out the second step in a solvent which reacts with the compound of formula (II) to yield the desired product, for example, C₁ -C₁₀ alcohols are suitable solvents if the compound of formula (I) is the ether obtainable by reacting the compound of formula (II) with the alcohol.

Preferably, the diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives of formula (I) contain from 0 to 4 moles of --SO₃ M per mole of diketopyrrolopyrrole derivative; most preferably from 0 to 2 moles per mole of diketopyrrolopyrrole derivative. In general, if the reaction is carried out at about 40-50° C., the product contains about 0.5 moles of --SO₃ M per mole of diketopyrrolopyrrole derivative.

M is preferably hydrogen, or an alkali metal, such as sodium or potassium, an alkaline earth metal, such as magnesium, an aluminum, a zinc or an ammonium cation. Examples of suitable ammonium cations include quaternary ammonium cations, such as trimethylcetylammonium or tributylbenzylammonium.

A₁ and A₂ as aryl include both aromatic and heteroaromatic radicals. Radicals which are particularly suitable as A₁ and A₂ include radicals of the formula ##STR6## wherein R₁ and R₂ are each independently of the other hydrogen, halogen, C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₈ alkoxy, C₁ -C₁₈ alkylmercapto, C₁ -C₁₈ alkylamino, C₁ -C₁₈ alkoxycarbonyl, C₁ -C₁₈ alkylaminocarbonyl, --CN, --NO₂, trifluoromethyl, C₅ -C₆ cycloalkyl, --C═N--(C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl), phenyl, ##STR7## imidazolyl, pyrrazolyl, triazolyl, piperazinyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzimidazolyl, morpholinyl, piperidinyl or pyrrolidinyl,

G is --CH₂ --, --CH(CH₃)--, --C(CH₃)₂ --, --CH═N--, --N═N--, --O--, --S--, --SO--, --SO₂ --, --CONH-- or --NR₇ --,

R₃ and R₄ are each independently of the other hydrogen, halogen, C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₈ alkoxy or --CN, R₅ and R₆ are each independently of the other hydrogen, halogen or C₁ -C₆ alkyl, and R₇ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₆ alkyl.

In particular, A₁ and A₂ are each a group of formula ##STR8## wherein R₁ and R₂ are each independently of the other hydrogen, chloro, bromo, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkylamino, phenyl or CN,

G is --O--, --NR₇ --, --N═N-- or --SO₂ --,

R₃ and R₄ are hydrogen, and R₇ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl,

and more particularly A₁ and A₂ are each a group of formula ##STR9## wherein R₁ and R₂ are each independently of the other hydrogen, methyl, tert-butyl, chloro, bromo, phenyl or CN. At least one of R₁ and R₂ is preferably hydrogen. Most preferably, at least one of R₁ and R₂ is hydrogen and the other is in the 4 position of the phenyl ring.

The organic radicals B₁ and B₂ are derivable from a precursor which reacts with the hydroxy groups of a compound of the formula (II) either by a substitution reaction or to form an --O-- linkage.

Precursors which react with a hydroxyl group by a substitution reaction are generally compounds which comprise an aromatic radical, a heteroaromatic radical, or radicals of the formulae X--C(═O)--Y--, X--C(═O)--Y--, --Y--C(═O)--O--X, X--C(═S)--Y--, --Y--C(═S)--O--X, --Y--C(═S)--S--X, X--C(═N)--Y--, XZN--, X--S--, X--SO₂ --, X--SO₂ --NR₁₀ --, ##STR10## and --N(R₁₀)--C(═O)--O--X;

wherein X and Z are each hydrogen or an aliphatic, alicyclic, araliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic radical, or X and Z together form a 3 to 8 membered ring, Y is the residue of an active methylene containing moiety, and R₁₀ is hydrogen, an aliphatic radical, an alicyclic radical, an araliphatic radical, an aromatic radical or a heterocyclic radical, or R₁₀ and X together form a 3 to 8 membered ring.

Examples of B₁ and B₂ radicals derivable from a precursor which reacts with a hydroxyl group to form an --O-- linkage include an alkyl halide and radicals of the formulae X--C(═O)O--, X--C(═S)O--, X--SO₂ --O--, XO--; wherein X has the meaning given above.

As aromatic radicals, B₁ and B₂ especially include radicals containing 1, 2, 3, 4 or more phenyl rings which are bonded directly to each other, bonded to each other through a linking group, fused, or any combination thereof. The biphenylyl radical is an example of two phenyl rings directly bonded to each other. Radicals of the formulae ##STR11## wherein G₁ is a linking group, are examples of phenyl rings bonded through each other through a linking group. Examples of aromatic radicals containing fused phenyl rings include naphthyl, anthryl and phenanthryl.

The linking group G₁ is especially those linking groups described above for the variable G.

As heteroaromatic radicals, B₁ and B₂ especially include radicals containing one or more 5, 6 or 7 membered aromatic rings containing from 1 to 4 heteroatoms. In general, the heteroatom(s) are nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur or any combination thereof. Suitable heteroaromatic radicals include the pyrrolopyrroles, especially the 1,4-diketo-3,6-diarylpyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrroles and quinacridones.

Y is the residue of an active methylene containing moiety. Active methylene moieties are generally those methylene groups which are linked to an electron withdrawing substituent, such as a carbonyl or nitrile substitutent. In general, active methylene moieties participate in a Mannich type or similar reaction. In general, Y is --CHX, --CH₂ --X or --(CH═CH)_(n) --CH₂ --X, wherein n is 1, 2 or 3. When Y is the --CHX-- radical, the --CHX-- radical is part of a ring, for example, when B₁ or B₂ is the X--C(═O)--Y-- radical, X and Y can form part of, for example, a cyclohexanone ring.

X and Z are aliphatic, alicyclic, araliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic radicals.

In general, aliphatic radicals include C₁ -C₁₀ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₀ alkenyl, and C₁ -C₁₀ alkynyl radicals, including straight and branched chains.

Alicyclic radicals include those moieties containing only one or more nonaromatic hydrocarbon rings. Important alicyclic radicals include radicals derived from C₃ -C₈ -cycloalkanes and C₃ -C₈ cycloalkenes. Examples of important alicyclic radicals include cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl. Alicyclic radicals also include those moieties wherein there is, for example, a --C(═O)-- on the ring, such as cyclohexanone.

Araliphatic radicals are those moieties which contain an aliphatic portion and an aromatic portion, for example a phenyl or heteroaromatic portion. Examples of araliphatic radicals include radicals derived from the phenylalkanoic acids, the naphthylalkanoic acids, the pyridine alkanoic acids, the quinoline alkanoic acids, the indole alkanoic acids, such as those derived from phenyl acetic acid, phenyl propionic acid, or indole acetic acid.

Aromatic radicals suitable as X and Z include those described above as being useful as B₁ and B₂. The term "aromatic" radical, in this instance, does not include heteroaromatic radicals.

Heterocyclic radicals contain one or more nonaromatic and/or aromatic rings which contain one or more heteroatoms; especially 3 to 8 membered rings which contain 1 to 3 heteroatoms, which heteroatoms are especially nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen. The term heterocyclic radical includes fused ring systems wherein one or more rings contain one or more heteroatoms. Important heterocyclic radicals include pyridinyl, pyranyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, morpholino, pyrimidyl, pyrone, oxazine, azepinyl, triazinyl, oxathiazinyl, pyrroyl, benzofuranyl, piperazinyl, oxathiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, quinolinyl, indolyl, carbazolyl, xanthenyl, acridinyl, coumarinyl, benzoxazolyl, benzopyrone, quinazolinyl. Heterocyclic radicals include those wherein the ring is a lactone or a lactam.

The description of radicals above also defines aliphatic, alicyclic, araliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic radicals suitable as R₁₀. When R₁₀ combines with X to form a ring, the ring is preferably a five or six membered ring.

The aromatic, heterocyclic, aliphatic, alicyclic and araliphatic radicals are unsubstituted (by any group other than hydrogen) or substituted by one or more, preferably 0 to 4, customary substituents.

Customary substituents include hydroxy, carbonyl, halogen, C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₈ alkoxy, C₁ -C₁₈ alkylmercapto, C₁ -C₁₈ alkylamino, di(C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl)amino, C₁ -C₁₈ alkoxycarbonyl, C₁ -C₁₈ alkylaminocarbonyl, --CN, --NO₂, trifluoromethyl, C₅ -C₆ cycloalkyl, --C═N--(C₁ -C₁₈ -alkyl) and phenyl, wherein the alkyl groups can be further substituted by hydroxyl, halogen, nitro, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, carbonyl, --CN.

Substituents defined as halogen are typically iodo, fluoro, bromo and, preferably, chloro;

C₁ -C₆ alkyl is typically methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-amyl, tert-amyl, hexyl, and C₁ -C₁₀ alkyl and C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl are in addition typically heptyl, octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, nonyl, decyl, dodecyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl or octadecyl.

C₁ -C₁₈ Alkoxy, also in C₁ -C₁₈ alkoxycarbonyl, is typically methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, hexyloxy, decyloxy, dodecyloxy, hexadecyloxy or octadecyloxy.

C₁ -C₁₈ Alkylmercapto is, for example, methylmercapto, ethylmercapto, propylmercapto, butylmercapto, octylmercapto, decylmercapto, hexadecylmercapto or octadecylmercapto.

C₁ -C₁₈ Alkylamino is, also in C₁ -C₁₈ alkylaminocarbonyl, typically methylamino, ethylamino, propylamino, hexylamino, decylamino, hexadecylamino or octadecylamino. C₅ -C₆ Cycloalkyl is typically cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl.

Important radicals containing the residue of an active methylene, Y, include radicals derivable from various acetoacetanilides, cyanoacetanilides and benzoylacetanilides, such as ethylacetoacetate, ethyl malonate, ethyl cyanoacetate, ethyl benzoyl acetate and malononitrile.

Important radicals of the formula X--C(═O)--O-- include esters derivable from a C₁ -C₂₄ -aliphatic acids, such as acetic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or trifluoroacetic acid, a C₆ -C₂₄ araliphatic acid, such as benzoic acid, phenyl acetic acid, phenyl propionic acid or indole acetic acid, a resin acid, such as abeitic acid, behemic acid, a naphthenic acid, a dimeric acid, wherein the aliphatic acids and araliphatic acids are unsubstituted or substituted by one or more customary substituents.

Important radicals of the formula X--C(═O)NR₁₀ -- and X--SO₂ --NR₁₀ -- include those derivable from amides and sulfonamides prepared from an aliphatic amine and an aliphatic carboxylic or sulfonic acid, an aromatic amine and a aliphatic carboxylic or sulfonic acid, or an aromatic amine and an aromatic or araliphatic carboxylic or sulfonic acid. Suitable radicals of the formula X--C(═O)NR₁₀ -- and X--SO₂ --NR₁₀ especially include those wherein X is C₁ -C₂₄ alkyl, phenyl, benzyl, tolyl, naphthyl and R₁₀ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, phenyl, benzyl.

Important radicals of the formulae X--SO₂ --, X--SO₂ --O-- and X--C(═S)--O-- include those wherein X is a C₁ -C₂₄ aliphatic radical, an C₆ -C₁₈ aromatic radical, a C₁ -C₂₄ araliphatic radical, a 5, 6 or 7 membered heterocyclic ring, or a fused ring system containing a 5, 6 or 7 membered heterocyclic ring, such as pentyl, hexyl, phenyl, benzyl, tolyl, naphthyl, pyridinyl or indolyl. Important radicals of the formula X--SO₂ --O-- include those derivable from p-toluene sulfonic acid, naphthalene sulfonic acid, pentane sulfonic acid or a water-soluble dye which contains a --SO₃ H water-solublizing group.

Important radicals of the formula XZN-- include those derivable from N,N-di C₁ -C₂₄ -alkylamines, such as dimethylamine, diethylamine dipropylamine, and dibutylamine, arylamines, such as N,N-diphenylamine, aralkylamines, such as N,N-dibenzylamine or ethylphenylamine, or heteroaryl amines, such as aminopyridine. The formula XZN-- also includes those radicals wherein X and Z, together, along with the nitrogen atom, form a 3 to 8 membered ring, especially a 5 or 6 membered ring, such as a piperazine, morpholine, thiomorpholine, pyrrolidine or piperidine ring.

Important radicals of the formulae XO-- include those wherein X is a C₁ -C₂₄ aliphatic radical, a C₅ -C₁₀ alicyclic radical, phenyl, benzyl, naphthyl, or a radical H--(CH₂ CHR₁₁ O)_(m) --CH₂ CHR₁₁ --, wherein R₁₁ is hydrogen or methyl, especially hydrogen, and m is a number from 1 to 20.

Important radicals of the formula XS-- include those wherein X is a C₁ -C₂₄ aliphatic radical, a C₅ -C₁₀ alicyclic radical, phenyl, benzyl and naphthyl.

Important radicals of the formula ##STR12## and ##STR13## include radicals derivable from succinimide, glutarimide, phthalimide, naphthalimide and isoquinoline-1,3-dione.

Important radicals of the formula --N(R₁₀)--C(═O)--O--X include those wherein R₁₀ is hydrogen, C₁ -C₆ alkyl, phenyl or benzyl, especially hydrogen and C₁ -C₆ alkyl, and X is C₁ -C₆ alkyl, for example, urethane.

Aromatic and heteroaromatic radicals derivable from known dyes, such as azo, azomethine, or fiber-reactive dyes, for example triazine dyes, or known organic pigments, such as diketopyrrolopyrrole, quinacridone, phthalocyanine, indanthrone, isoindoline, isoindolone, flavanthrone, pyranthrone, anthraquinone, thioindigo, perylene and dioxazine pigments are suitable radicals for B₁ and B₂. Quinacridinyl (derived from a quinacridone) and 1,4-diketo-3,6-diarylpyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrolyl (derived from a 1,4-diketo-3,6-diarylpyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole) radicals are especially suitable radicals for B₁ and B₂.

Thus, an aspect of the present invention relates to a process of preparing diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives of the formula (I) wherein B₁ and B₂ are each a pigment moiety, in particular, a diketopyrrolopyrrole, quinacridone, phthalocyanine, indanthrone, isoindoline, isoindolone, flavanthrone, pyranthrone, anthraquinone, thioindigo, perylene and dioxazine pigment moiety.

1,4-diketo-3,6-diarylpyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrolyl radicals are especially suitable radicals for B₁ and B₂. Such radicals are derivable from compounds of the formula ##STR14## which are well-known as pigments.

When B₁ and B₂ are 1,4-diketo-3,6-diarylpyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrolyl radicals, the preferences described above for A₁ and A₂ apply.

Another aspect of this invention relates to a process for preparing diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives of formula (I) wherein B₁ and B₂ are quinacridinyl radicals. Such radicals are derivable from the compounds of the formula ##STR15## wherein each R is independently hydrogen, halogen, carboxyl, unsubstituted C₁ -C₆ -alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkyl which is substituted by halogen, unsubstituted C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, or C₁ -C₆ alkoxy which is substituted by halogen.

B1 and B2 are especially radicals derivable from quinacridone, 2,9-dichloroquinacridone, 4,11-dichloroqinacridone, 2,9-dimethylquinacridone, 4,11-dimethylquinacridone or 2,9-difluoroquinacridone.

The present invention also relates to a compound of the formula ##STR16## which contains from 0 to 6 moles of --SO₃ M per mole of the compound, wherein A₁ and A₂ are identical or different aryl radicals and M is hydrogen or a metal or ammonium cation.

A₁ and A₂ have the meanings given above.

Preferably A₁ and A₂ are radicals of the formula ##STR17## wherein R₁ and R₂ are each independently of the other hydrogen, halogen, C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₈ alkoxy, C₁ -C₁₈ alkylmercapto, C₁ -C₁₈ alkylamino, C₁ -C₁₈ alkoxycarbonyl, C₁ -C₁₈ alkylaminocarbonyl, --CN, --NO₂, trifluoromethyl, C₅ -C₆ cycloalkyl, --C═N--(C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl), phenyl, ##STR18## imidazolyl, pyrrazolyl, triazolyl, piperazinyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzimidazolyl, morpholinyl, piperidinyl or pyrrolidinyl,

G is --CH₂ --, --CH(CH₃)--, --C(CH₃)₂ --, --CH═N--, --N═N--, --O--, --S--, --SO--, --SO₂ --, --CONH-- or --NR₇ --,

R₃ and R₄ are each independently of the other hydrogen, halogen, C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₈ alkoxy or --CN, R₅ and R₆ are each independently of the other hydrogen, halogen or C₁ -C₆ alkyl, and R₇ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₆ alkyl.

In particular, A₁ and A₂ are radicals of the formula ##STR19## wherein R₁ and R₂ are each independently of the other hydrogen, chloro, bromo, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkylamino, phenyl or CN,

G is --O--, --NR₇ --, --N═N-- or --SO₂ --,

R₃ and R₄ are hydrogen, and

R₇ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl.

Most preferably, A₁ and A₂ are radicals of the formula ##STR20## wherein R₁ and R₂ are each independently of the other hydrogen, methyl, tert-butyl, chloro, bromo, phenyl or CN. Preferably, at least one of R₁ and R₂ is hydrogen.

Preferably the compounds of formula (II) have from 0 to 4 moles of --SO₃ M, most preferably from 0 to 2 moles of --SO₃ M.

The present invention further relates to a process for preparing a compound of the formula ##STR21## which contains from 0 to 6 moles of --SO₃ M per mole of the compound, wherein A₁ and A₂ are identical or different aryl radicals and M is hydrogen or a metal or ammonium cation, which process comprises reacting a 1,4-diketo3,6-diarylpyrrolopyrrole of the formula ##STR22## with formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde.

The preferences discussed above relating to the first step of the process for preparing the compounds of formula (I) are applicable to this aspect of the invention.

In particular, the present invention relates to the process wherein the 1,4-diketo3,6-diarylpyrrolopyrrole is combined with paraformaldehyde in concentrated sulfuric acid; especially wherein the 1,4-diketo-3,6-diarylpyrrolopyrrole and formaldehyde are present in a molar ratio of about 0.75:2 to 1.25:2, most preferably of about 1:2.

If less sulfonation is desired, the reaction is carried out at a temperature of 40° C. or below. The reaction generally proceeds at higher temperatures, for example, in the range from about 20 to 120° C., but higher temperatures generally lead to a higher degree of sulfonation; which may be desirable depending on the intended use of the final product.

The hydroxymethyl derivative of formula (II) is generally isolated by precipitation and filtration, for example by drowning in an organic solvent or water followed by filtration.

In addition to being useful as an intermediate to prepare the diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives of formula (I), the hydroxymethyl pyrrolopyrrole compound of formula (II) is useful as a stabilizer for polymers.

The diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives of formula (I) are useful as colorants, such as pigments and dyes, for a variety of materials, in particular paints, plastics and inks, and as additives which influence the rheology characteristics of a pigment composition.

In general, diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives of formula (I) with a lower degree of sulfonation are most suitable as pigments, while those with a higher degree of sulfonation are useful as dyes and additives.

The following examples further illustrate the preferred embodiments of this invention. In these examples, all parts given are by weight unless otherwise noted.

EXAMPLE 1

500 grams of concentrated sulfuric acid (95.28%) are added to a one liter four-necked flask equipped with a stirrer, a thermometer and a reflux condenser with a drying tube. 6.2 grams (0.206 moles) of paraformaldehyde are then introduced into the sulfuric acid followed by 28.8 grams (0.1 moles) of 1,4-diketo-3,6-diphenylpyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole (unsubstituted DPP) in small portions maintaining the pot temperature below 30° C. The reaction mixture is stirred at 25±2° C. for 2.5 hours and then poured into ice water, filtered, washed with water until the filtrate is acid free, dried and pulverized to yield 2,5-di(hydroxymethyl)-3,6-diphenylpyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole-1,4-dione (analysis C₂₀ H₁₆ N₂ O₄).

EXAMPLES 2-5

The bis(hydroxymethyl) DPP compounds disclosed in Table 1 are prepared by substituting the appropriate substituted DPP for unsubstituted DPP in the process of Example 1: ##STR23##

                                      TABLE-1     __________________________________________________________________________     Bishydroxymethyl DPP derivatives     A1      A2     Mol. Form                            Mol. Wt                                 crystallized from     __________________________________________________________________________     4-Cl-phenyl             4-Cl-phenyl                    C.sub.20 H.sub.14 Cl.sub.2 N.sub.2 O.sub.4                            417  DMF-MeOH     p-tolyl p-tolyl                    C.sub.22 H.sub.20 N.sub.2 O.sub.4                            376  DMF-MeOH     4-t-butyl-phenyl             t-butyl-phenyl                    C.sub.28 H.sub.32 N.sub.2 O.sub.4                            460  DMF-MeOH     biphenyl-1-yl             biphenyl-1-yl                    C.sub.32 H.sub.24 N.sub.2 O.sub.4                            500  DMF-MeOH     __________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE 6

250 grams of concentrated sulfuric acid (96%) are added to a one liter four-necked flask equipped with a stirrer, a thermometer and a reflux condenser with a drying tube. 14.4 grams (0.05 moles) of 1,4-diketo-3,6-diphenylpyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole (unsubstituted DPP) are added in small portions maintaining the pot temperature below 25° C. 3.1 grams (0.103 moles) of paraformaldehyde are then introduced into the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture is stirred at 25±2° C. for four hours and then poured into ice water, filtered, washed with water until the filtrate is acid free, dried and pulverized to yield 2,5-di(hydroxymethyl)-3,6-diphenylpyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole-1,4-dione (analysis C₂₀ H₁₆ N₂ O₄).

EXAMPLE 7

401.2 grams of concentrated sulfuric acid (96%) are added to a one liter four-necked flask equipped with a stirrer, a thermometer and a reflux condenser with a drying tube. 17.85 grams (0.05 moles) of 1,4-diketo-3,6-di(4-chlorophenyl)pyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole (dichloro DPP) are added in small portions maintaining the pot temperature below 30° C. 3.1 grams (0.103 moles) of paraformaldehyde are then introduced into the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture is stirred at 25±2° C. for four hours and then poured into ice water, filtered, washed with water until the filtrate is acid free, dried and pulverized to yield 2,5-di(hydroxymethyl)-3,6-di(4-chlorophenyl)pyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole-1,4-dione (analysis C₂₀ H₁₄ Cl₂ N₂ O₄).

EXAMPLE 8

422.9 grams of concentrated sulfuric acid (96%) are added to a one liter four-necked flask equipped with a stirrer, a thermometer and a reflux condenser with a drying tube. 22.0 grams (0.05 moles) of 1,4-diketo-3,6-di(biphenyl-1-yl)pyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole (biphenylyl DPP) are added in small portions maintaining the pot temperature below 30° C. 3.1 grams (0.103 moles) of paraformaldehyde are then introduced into the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture is stirred at 25±2° C. for four hours and then poured into ice water, filtered, washed with water until the filtrate is acid free, dried and pulverized to yield 2,5-di(hydroxymethyl)-3,6-di(biphenyl-1-yl)pyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole-1,4-dione (analysis C₃₂ H₂₄ N₂ O₄).

EXAMPLE 9

250 grams of concentrated sulfuric acid (96%) are added to a one liter four-necked flask equipped with a stirrer, a thermometer and a reflux condenser with a drying tube. Quinacridone (31.2 grams, 0.1 moles) is added in small portions followed by 14.4 grams (0.05 moles) of 1,4-diketo-3,6-diphenylpyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole (unsubstituted DPP) maintaining the pot temperature between 40-45° C. After stirring for 0.5 hours, 3.1 grams (0.103 moles) of paraformaldehyde are then introduced into the reaction mixture and the temperature rises to about 50° C. The reaction is stirred at 45±3° C. for 1 hour and then poured into ice water, filtered, washed with water until the filtrate is acid free, dried and pulverized to yield the compound of the formula ##STR24## wherein B₁ and B₂ are quinacridinyl radicals. The product analyzes C₆₀ H₃₅.5 N₆ O₆.(SO₃ H)₀.5.

EXAMPLE 10

250 grams of concentrated sulfuric acid (96%) are added to a one liter four-necked flask equipped with a stirrer, a thermometer and a reflux condenser with a drying tube. 14.4 grams (0.05 moles) of 1,4-diketo-3,6-diphenylpyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole (unsubstituted DPP) are then added in small portions maintaining the pot temperature below 40° C. After stirring for 0.5 hours, 3.1 grams (0.103 moles) of paraformaldehyde are then introduced into the reaction mixture and the temperature rises to about 45° C. The reaction is stirred at 40±2° C. for 1 hour. 31.2 grams of quinacridone (0.1 moles) of quinacridone is then added maintaining the temperature below 45° C. The reaction mixture is stirred at 45±2° C. for 3 hours and then poured into ice water, filtered, washed with water until the filtrate is acid free, dried and pulverized to yield the compound of the formula ##STR25## wherein B₁ and B₂ are quinacridinyl radicals. The product analyzes C₆₀ H₃₅.5 N₆ O₆.(SO₃ H)₀.5.

EXAMPLE 11

250 grams of concentrated sulfuric acid (96%) are added to a one liter four-necked flask equipped with a stirrer, a thermometer and a reflux condenser with a drying tube. 14.4 grams (0.05 moles) of 1,4-diketo-3,6-diphenylpyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole (unsubstituted DPP) are then added in small portions maintaining the pot temperature below 25° C. After stirring for 1 hour, 3.1 grams (0.103 moles) of paraformaldehyde are then introduced into the reaction mixture followed by 31.2 grams of quinacridone (0.1 moles) and the maintaining the temperature below 25° C. The reaction mixture is stirred at 25±2° C. for 3 hours and then poured into ice water, filtered, washed with water until the filtrate is acid free, dried and pulverized to yield the compound of the formula ##STR26## wherein B₁ and B₂ are quinacridinyl radicals. The product analyzes C₆₀ H₃₆ N₆ O₆.

EXAMPLE 12

400 grams of concentrated sulfuric acid (96%) are added to a one liter four-necked flask equipped with a stirrer, a thermometer and a reflux condenser with a drying tube. 14.4 grams (0.05 moles) of 1,4-diketo-3,6-diphenylpyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole (unsubstituted DPP) are then added in small portions maintaining the pot temperature below 25° C. After stirring for 1 hour, 3.1 grams (0.103 moles) of paraformaldehyde are then introduced into the reaction mixture followed by 38.1 grams of 4,11-dichloroquinacridone (0.1 moles) and the maintaining the temperature below 45° C. The reaction mixture is stirred at 45±2° C. for 2.5 hours and then poured into ice water, filtered, washed with water until the filtrate is acid free, dried and pulverized to yield the compound of the formula ##STR27## wherein B₁ and B₂ are 4,11-dichloroquinacridinyl radicals. The product analyzes C₆₀ H₃₄ C₁₂ N₆ O₆.

EXAMPLE 13

500 grams of concentrated sulfuric acid (90%) are added to a one liter four-necked flask equipped with a stirrer, a thermometer and a reflux condenser with a drying tube. 6.2 grams (0.206 moles) of paraformaldehyde are then introduced into the sulfuric acid followed by 28.8 grams (0.1 moles) of 1,4-diketo-3,6-diphenylpyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole (unsubstituted DPP) in small portions maintaining the pot temperature below 30° C. The reaction mixture is stirred at 25±2° C. for 2.5 hours and then poured into ice water, filtered, washed with water until the filtrate is acid free, dried and pulverized to yield a mixture of 2,5-di(hydroxymethyl)-3,6-diphenylpyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole-1,4-dione and the starting materials. When 85% H₂ SO₄ replaces the 90% H₂ SO₄, a mixture containing a major portion of the starting materials is obtained.

EXAMPLE 14

250 grams of concentrated sulfuric acid (96%) and paraformaldehyde (3.3 g.; 0.11 moles) are added to a one liter four necked flask, equipped with a stirrer, a thermometer, a reflux condenser with a drying tube. Unsubstituted DPP(14.4 g.; 0.05 moles) are added to the sulfuric acid/paraformaldehyde mixture in small portions maintaining the pot temperature between 25-30° C. This mixture is stirred for 1 hour to ensure complete solution. An additional 200 g of sulfuric acid is then added to the reaction mixture followed by unsubstituted DPP(28.8 g.; 0.1 moles) in small portions, maintaining the pot temperature at 32-34° C. This reaction mixture is then stirred at 30±3° C. for 4 hrs and poured into ice-water, filtered, washed with water until the filtrate is acid free, dried and pulverized.

The compound isolated analyzed for C₅₆ H₃₆ N₆ O₆ and is believed to have the formula ##STR28## wherein each R and R₁ substituent is hydrogen.

The compounds in Table 2 are made by substituting the appropriate pyrrolopyrrole reactants in the process of Example 14.

                  TABLE 2     ______________________________________     DPP-CH.sub.2 -DPP-CH.sub.2 DPP derivatives     R         R.sub.1   Mol. Form    crystallize from     ______________________________________     H         H         C.sub.56 H.sub.36 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     H         Cl        C.sub.56 H.sub.32 Cl.sub.4 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     H         CH.sub.3  C.sub.60 H.sub.44 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     H         t-Butyl   C.sub.72 H.sub.68 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     H         4-Phenyl  C.sub.80 H.sub.52 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     Cl        H         C.sub.56 H.sub.34 Cl.sub.2 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     Cl        Cl        C.sub.56 H.sub.30 Cl.sub.6 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     Cl        CH.sub.3  C.sub.60 H.sub.42 Cl.sub.2 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     Cl        t-Butyl   C.sub.72 H.sub.66 Cl.sub.2 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     Cl        4-Phenyl  C.sub.80 H.sub.50 Cl.sub.2 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     CH.sub.3  H         C.sub.58 H.sub.40 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     CH.sub.3  Cl        C.sub.58 H.sub.36 Cl.sub.4 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     CH.sub.3  CH.sub.3  C.sub.62 H.sub.48 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     CH.sub.3  t-Butyl   C.sub.74 H.sub.72 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     CH.sub.3  4-Phenyl  C.sub.82 H.sub.56 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     t-Butyl   H         C.sub.64 H.sub.52 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     t-Butyl   Cl        C.sub.64 H.sub.48 Cl.sub.4 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     t-Butyl   CH.sub.3  C.sub.68 H.sub.60 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     t-Butyl   t-Butyl   C.sub.80 H.sub.84 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     t-Butyl   4-Phenyl  C.sub.88 H.sub.68 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     4-Phenyl  H         C.sub.68 H.sub.44 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     4-Phenyl  Cl        C.sub.68 H.sub.40 Cl.sub.4 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     4-Phenyl  CH.sub.3  C.sub.72 H.sub.52 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     4-Phenyl  t-Butyl   C.sub.84 H.sub.76 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     4-Phenyl  4-Phenyl  C.sub.92 H.sub.60 N.sub.6 O.sub.6                                      H.sub.2 SO.sub.4     ______________________________________

EXAMPLE 15

250 grams of concentrated sulfuric acid (96%) and paraformaldehyde (3.3 g.; 0.11 moles) are added to a one liter four necked flask, equipped with a stirrer, a thermometer, a reflux condenser with a drying tube. Unsubstituted DPP(14.4 g.; 0.05 moles) are added to the sulfuric acid/paraformaldehyde mixture in small portions maintaining the pot temperature between 30-35° C. This mixture is stirred for 1 hour to ensure complete solution. An additional 200 g of sulfuric acid is then added to the reaction mixture followed by unsubstituted DPP(28.8 g.; 0.1 moles) in small portions, maintaining the pot temperature at 38-42° C. This reaction mixture is then stirred at 40±3° C. for 4 hrs and poured into ice-water, filtered, washed with water until the filtrate is acid free, dried and pulverized.

The compound isolated analyzed for C₅₆ H₃₆ N₆ O₆.(SO₃ H)₀.5

The sulfonated derivatives of the compounds of Table 2 are prepared by substituting the appropriate pyrrolopyrrole reactants in the process of Example 15.

EXAMPLE 16

Bishydroxymethyl DPP (17.4 g, 0.05 moles), aniline (9.3 g, 0.1 moles) and DMF (100 ml) are added to a one liter four necked flask, equipped with a stirrer, a thermometer, and a reflux condenser with a drying tube. The mixture is stirred at 100° C. for 4 hrs, then diluted with water, filtered, washed with water, dried and pulverized to give 2,5-di-(anilinomethyl)-3,6-diphenyl pyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole-1,4-dione (bisanilinomethyl DPP).

EXAMPLE 17

Bishydroxymethyl DPP (17.4 g, 0.05 moles), a catalytic amount of paratoluene sulfonic acid and methanol (100 ml) are added to a one liter four necked flask, equipped with a stirrer, a thermometer, and a reflux condenser with a drying tube. The mixture is stirred at reflux for 4 hrs., diluted with water, filtered, washed with water, dried and pulverized to give 2,5-di(methoxymethyl)-3,6-diphenyl pyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole-1,4-dione (bismethoxymethyl DPP).

EXAMPLE 18

Bishydroxymethyl-di-t-butyl DPP (23.0 g, 0.05 moles), a catalytic amount of paratoluene sulfonic acid and methanol (100 ml) are added to a one liter four necked flask, equipped with a stirrer, a thermometer, and a reflux condenser with a drying tube. The mixture is stirred at reflux for 4 hrs, diluted with water, filtered, washed with water, dried and pulverized to give 2,5-di(methoxymethyl)-3,6-di-t-butylphenyl pyrrolo 3,4-c!pyrrole-1,4-dione (bismethoxymethyl di-t-butyl DPP). 

I claim:
 1. A compound of the formula ##STR29## which has from 0 to 6 moles of --SO₃ M per mole of the compound, wherein A₁ and A₂ are identical or different aryl radicals and M is hydrogen or a metal or ammonium cation.
 2. A compound of claim 1 wherein A₁ and A₂ are radicals of the formula ##STR30## wherein R₁ and R₂ are each independently of the other hydrogen, halogen, C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₈ alkoxy, C₁ -C₁₈ alkylmercapto, C₁ -C₁₈ alkylamino, C₁ -C₁₈ alkoxycarbonyl, C₁ -C₁₈ alkylaminocarbonyl, --CN, --NO₂, trifluoromethyl, C₅ -C₆ cycloalkyl, --C═N--(C₁ -C₁₈ alkyl), phenyl, ##STR31## imidazolyl, pyrrazolyl, triazolyl, piperazinyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzimidazolyl, morpholinyl, piperidinyl or pyrrolidinyl,G is --CH₂ --, --CH(CH₃)--, --C(CH₃)₂ --, --CH═N--, --N═N--, --O--, --S--, --SO--, --SO₂ --, --CONH-- or --NR₇ --, R₃ and R₄ are each independently of the other hydrogen, halogen, C₁ -C₆ alkyl, C₁ -C₁₈ alkoxy or --CN, R₅ and R₆ are each independently of the other hydrogen, halogen or C₁ -C₆ alkyl, and R₇ is hydrogen or C₁ -C₆ alkyl.
 3. A compound of claim 2 wherein A₁ and A₂ are radicals of the formula ##STR32## wherein R₁ and R₂ are each independently of the other hydrogen, chloro, bromo, C₁ -C₄ alkyl, C₁ -C₆ alkoxy, C₁ -C₆ alkylamino, phenyl or CN,G is --O--, --NR₇ --, --N═N-- or --SO₂ --, R₃ and R₄ are hydrogen, and R₇ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl.
 4. A compound of claim 3 wherein A₁ and A₂ are radicals of the formula ##STR33## wherein R₁ and R₂ are each independently of the other hydrogen, methyl, tert-butyl, chloro, bromo, phenyl or CN.
 5. A compound of claim 4 wherein at least one of R₁ and R₂ is hydrogen.
 6. A compound of claim 4 which contains from 0 to 2 moles of --SO₃ M.
 7. A process for preparing a compound of the formula ##STR34## which has from 0 to 6 moles of --SO₃ M per mole of the compound, wherein A.sub. and A₂ are identical or different aryl radicals and M is hydrogen or a metal or ammonium cation, which process comprises reacting a 1,4-diketo-3,6-diarylpyrrolopyrrole of the formula ##STR35## with formaldehyde.
 8. A process of claim 7 wherein the 1,4-diketo-3,6-diarylpyrrolopyrrole is combined with paraformaldehyde in concentrated sulfuric acid.
 9. A process of claim 8 wherein the 1,4-diketo-3,6-diarylpyrrolopyrrole and formaldehyde are present in a molar ratio of about 0.75:2 to 1.25:2.
 10. A process of claim 9 wherein the process is carried out at a temperature of 40° C. or below.
 11. A process of claim 10 wherein A₁ and A₂ are radicals of the formula ##STR36## wherein R₁ and R₂ are each independently of the other hydrogen, methyl, tert-butyl, chloro, bromo, phenyl or CN. 